- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 30 min
- Total time
- 50 min
- Yield
- 4 servings
- Difficulty
- EASY
- Calories
- 650 kcal
Quick summary
“Mac and Cheese is a hot and creamy meal that combines pasta and cheese, creating a perfect dish for cold days. It is worth it for its soft texture and intense flavor, besides being easy to make.”
What you need to know
- O macarrão é cozido até ficar al dente para manter a textura crocante por cima e macia por baixo
- A mistura de queijo é preparada com roux e leite para formar uma cobertura cremosa
- O macarrão é misturado na cobertura de queijo e gratinado no forno
Ingredients
Main
- 200g elbow macaroni
- 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup of whole milk
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoons of wheat flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated parmesan cheese for gratinating (optional)
Instructions
Principal
- In a pot, cook the pasta in salted water until al dente.
- Meanwhile, in another pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the wheat flour and stir for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually add the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
- When the mixture starts to boil, add the grated cheddar cheese and mix until completely melted.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the cooked pasta into the cheese mixture and stir well.
- Transfer the mixture to a mold, sprinkle parmesan cheese on top, if desired.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 10-15 minutes or until golden.
Chef's tips
- Use água fervente para cozinhar o macarrão, garantindo que ele esteja al dente
- Mexa sempre que adicionando leite para evitar grumos na mistura de queijo
- Polvilhe queijo parmesão apenas no final do preparo para manter a crocância
Variations
- Adicione cebola caramelizada ou brotos de alho para dar sabor
- Inclua cubos de bacon para uma versão mais salgada
- Experimente adicionar creme de leite para tornar a textura ainda mais cremosa
Substitutions
- Cheddar pode ser substituído por queijo americano
- Leite integral pode ser trocado por leite de soja ou vegetal
- Farinha de trigo pode ser substituída por farinha de mandioca
How to store
Leave the mac and cheese in the fridge for up to 2 days. To maintain the flavor and texture, it is better to reheat before serving.
Can it be frozen?
Not recommended to freeze. Mac and cheese may lose its texture when defrosting and reheating.
What to serve with
Serve with a fresh green salad or a baked potato to complement the dish
Frequently asked questions
Is Parmesan cheese necessary?
It is not necessary, but it can be added for extra crunch and more intense flavor.
Can I use another type of cheese?
Yes, you can use American cheese or Parmesan, but cheddar is the most common for this dish.
Can I replace the butter?
Yes, you can use margarine or another vegetable fat of your preference.
Should the pasta be cooked before making the cheese mixture?
Yes, the pasta must be cooked al dente before being mixed into the cheese topping.
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